Elizabeth Eggleston Memorial Collection

The Elizabeth Eggleston Memorial Collection is located in the Koorie Research Unit of MISC. It is a non-lending reference collection. The late Dr Eggleston was a former Director of the then Centre for Research into Aboriginal Affairs. At the time of her death in March 1976, she was acknowledged to be Australia’s foremost expert on Aborigines and the law. Dr Eggleston’s collection of books, pamphlets, papers and other materials, which she donated to the Centre, form the foundation of the resource.

The collection has expanded considerably and covers the spectrum of Aboriginal affairs. It currently holds approximately 5000 monographs, journals, dissertations and archival material. The collection has significant holdings in the areas of criminal justice and law, Indigenous languages and literature, education, health, and a sizeable general collection on Indigenous studies, including such areas as women’s issues, land rights and native title.

The Thomas Papers in the Mitchell Library: A comprehensive index by P.Byrt & S Morey, (2004), contains a diverse range of materials, including journals, correspondence, sermons and lectures written by William Thomas and sent to him mainly between the years of 1839 and 1867.

The collection can be accessed by Monash University staff and students, and the general public, upon request during office hours. The materials in this unique and specialised collection are not available for loan, but there are photocopying facilities.

Important cultural information

Users of this collection are warned that there may be words and descriptions which are culturally sensitive and not normally used in certain public or community contexts. Terms and annotations which reflect the author’s attitude or that of the period in which the item was written may be considered inappropriate today in some circumstances.

Users of this collection should be aware that, in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, hearing names of deceased persons may cause sadness or distress, particularly to the relatives of these people.

Materials included in this collection may be subject to access conditions imposed by Indigenous communities and/or depositors. Users are advised that access to some materials may be subject to these terms and conditions which the Centre is required to maintain.